June 30, 2009

After being blanked at Cannes, Euro RSCG Chicago is proud and delighted to receive a people’s choice award for our campaign on behalf of the Juvenile Protective Association.

While not a Lion, it does represent a “Best Of” winner as judged by the people and attendees at Cannes…and it is in a category of human consequence. In addition, we got to meet and shake hands with the mayor of Cannes. I’ve attached the press release below.

CHICAGO, June 29, 2009— Juvenile Protective Association (JPA) and Euro RSCG Chicago were honored for their print ad “Choke” on Friday, June 26, 2009, in Cannes, France by the Mayor of Cannes and ACT Responsible. In conjunction with the International Advertising Festival, ACT Responsible showcases the best cause-related work via a public exhibition in the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France. As part of the exhibition, the public is asked to vote for their favorite piece of work that is on display. This year, Euro RSCG Chicago was awarded a special people’s choice award by the Mayor of Cannes and ACT Responsible.

“Choke” is one of three print ads created for JPA that carry the tagline “verbal abuse is still abuse.” The arresting photography incorporates images of a hand that are made up of shocking, insulting words. The hand is grabbing a little boy’s neck in Choke, a girl’s hair in “Hair Pull” and holding a fist to a girl’s head in “Punch.”

“We’re honored that the public has chosen our work with JPA to be what they consider the best, most effective work on display in the ACT Responsible Exhibition in Cannes,” said Blake Ebel, executive creative director at Euro RSCG Chicago. “Our goal was to communicate that verbal abuse is as damaging as physical abuse to a child and cannot be tolerated. I believe that this campaign does just that.”

March 25, 2009

Gripping new campaign for the JPA

While I was away in Dubai my creative partner, Blake Ebel finally got a pet project produced and in the books. “Verbal abuse is still abuse,” reads the headline on these pro bono ads for the Juvenile Protective Association.

Others in the agency (and out) played a role in making the powerful posters: Blake Ebel, Puja Shah (AD), and our lead on print production, Julia Cunningham. I believe our CFO, Angelo Kritikos sits on JPA’s board, where he facilitated the relationship. Special thanks to New City as well. Not only are they a client, the magazine is running all three executions as well. The shooter was Kevin Banna. And finally, we mustn’t forget Scott Giannini, our tireless retoucher who, I’m told, put more time into this project than anyone.

I go deep into the credits not just to be nice (God forbid!) but also to make a point. It’s seldom just creative that gets involved with pro bono work. Other agency personnel and vendors play a significant role. They have to. But the more the merrier. Pro Bono is a win win for all concerned: Good work. Good cause. Good karma.